Ms Karan O'Loughlin:

We cannot at any stage underestimate or fail to describe the concern we have for the future of Shannon Airport. We believe it is essential for the region, not just for tourism but also for the connectivity required for the thousands of jobs there supported by industry. It is a matter of concern to me listening to the questions from the Deputies that it is only the Deputies from the region who seem to be inclined to ask questions about Shannon, when really there should be overall political will throughout the Government to understand the strategic importance of retaining the airport at Shannon.